The kids with the most challenging behaviors and high levels of childhood trauma need camp the most. Research shows that developing healthy relationships with caring adults and time spent outdoors have the ability to heal the impact of childhood trauma.
Structure is best
I have put together a list of day and overnight camps that may appeal to your child and your budget. There are many more options of course that you can discover on the internet or through friends and family. The daily structure, routine, and predictability of summer camp may be just what your child needs. Summer can be a tough time because the lack of all these factors. Down time is just too overwhelming for some. Children from hard places and/or who struggle do best when they have something to do every day that they know is coming and can look forward to. Predictability is a good thing. The opportunity to socialize can give them the practice with their social skills and teach them how to self-regulate. Some kids love the idea of a sleep-away camp. Usually they are only for a week so plan according to your child’s needs. And please don’t forget to reach out to your Post Perm worker to utilize respite funding to finance summer camp.
List of Camps
- Camp Hebron: Day and overnight camps in Halifax, PA.
- Gretna Glen Camp: Day and overnight summer camp in Lebanon, PA.
- Camp Joy El: Summer camp in Greencastle, PA.
- Wildwood Park Summer Day Camps: Harrisburg, PA.
- Black Rock Summer Camp: Day and overnight options in Quarryville, PA.
- Susquehanna Camp: Lots of different camp opportunities throughout PA.
- Camp Conquest: Day and overnight camps in Denver, PA.
- Woodcrest Retreat Summer Camp: Day and overnight camps in Ephreta, PA.
- Spruce Lake Summer Camp: Day and Overnight camps in the Poconos.
- Camp Ladybug in Elizabethtown for Special Needs Kids: $20.
- Hope’s Haven Camps in York, PA: Only accepts former abused and neglected children who have been or are currently in foster care.
- Camp Cadet: 1 week camp for youth between the ages of 12 and 15.
- Camp Kanestake: Overnight camp in Spruce Creek, PA.
- Promise Ranch: Day, overnight, and horse camps in McAlisterville, PA.
More Camp Options
- This is a list I stumbled upon last summer and most of the camps and activities are still current for this summer.
- Here is another up-to date list of mostly local day camps.
- Check out this list of summer camps and activities in our region.
- Don’t forget to ask your local YMCA and the Parks and Recreation Department in the city/borough/county where you live in as they have wonderful day camp options.
